How to object to an alcohol licence
To object to an application for an alcohol licence, you need to write to the District Licensing Committee with your reasons. Your objection must be based on criteria specified in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Anyone can object to alcohol licences
New legislation introduced in 2023 makes it easier for communities to have a say in alcohol licensing decisions. Now, any individual or group can object to an application for a licence, licence renewal, variation of licence conditions, or special licence. There is a narrow exception for trade competitors.
You have 25 working days to object
The time to make your objection has been increased from 15 to 25 working days. This gives you more time to become aware of any current applications and prepare evidence.
We publish all licence applications on our website. Notice of an application will also be posted in an easy-to-see place on the premises of the business applying for the licence.
Alcohol licence public notices
The Act defines working days as weekdays, excluding public holidays, and excluding 20 December to 15 January. Also excluded are Mondays where a public holiday falls on a weekend and is Monday-ised, for example, Waitangi Day or Anzac Day.
The grounds for objecting to an alcohol licence
Your objection needs to be based on the criteria in the Act. Look to the following parts of the Act to see which grounds apply:
- sections 102 and 105 for applications for new licences
- section 120 for applications to vary licence conditions
- sections 128 and 131 for applications for renewal
- sections 140 and 142 for applications for special licences.
Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 | legislation.govt.nz
How to file your objection with the District Licensing Committee
Your objection must be in writing to the committee no later than the last day to object specified within the public notice announcing an application has been made.
Please ensure your objection refers to the relevant criteria and include your full name, address and contact phone number.
You can provide your written objection by email, by post, or in person to our Customer Service Centre.
- Email: governance@pncc.govt.nz
- Post: The Secretary, District Licensing Committee, Palmerston North City Council, Private Bag 11034, Palmerston North
- In person: Customer Service Centre, 32 Te Marae o Hine – The Square, Palmerston North
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this process for filing an objection, please contact governance@pncc.govt.nz
What happens next?
When the committee receives your objection, they will send you an acknowledgement letter, and send the applicant a copy of your objection.
If the committee believes your objection meets the criteria specified in the Act, they will notify all involved parties of a date and time for a hearing.
You can choose not to attend the hearing, but your objection will be stronger if you attend and speak in support of your submission.
All the details and outcome of the hearing are available on our website.
District Licensing Committee hearings